Research Time Management

Organize your research projects by learning new time management and project management skills. You will learn how to break down research projects, set up a schedule for time management, and create a step-by-step process with a timeline to get it done.

Write a Project Timeline

Creating a Project Timeline

	Identify subtasks Identify deadlines for subtasks Take a look at this sample research timeline. This sample timeline shows you how to break down tasks over time. Work backwards from the due date and create a timeline Target for what you want to accomplish and when In a group project? Use the timeline to assign tasks to group members and agree on when specific parts will be done.
	Timeline		Target dates		Research tasks		Get help
Final paper due!		April 22		Submit your final project		Relax!
1-3 days before		April 18-21		Edit and proofread your paper Double-check the requirements		Chat with a librarian for any final questions.
1 week before		April 11-18		Continue to revise your project Verify references and citations		Check out the citation style tutorials and guides
Draft due!		April 8		Draft Due! Double-check requirements		Make an appointment with the Writing Center
2 weeks before		April 3-7		Work on your rough draft Appropriately incorporate and cite paraphrased ideas and quotes		Do more research if you do not have enough supporting documentation
2-3 weeks before		March 18- April 2		Develop an outline Find, read, and evaluate your secondary sources		Make an appointment with a librarian to help find sources
3- 4 weeks before		March 3-17		Finalize your research focus Do some initial, background research		Make an appointment with a librarian to help focus your research project
Semester Starts		January 7		Check the syllabus for important project dates Complete a research project summary and create a timeline		Attend a library workshop on citations and research strategies

Project Timeline Template

Other subtasks

Tests, Lab reports, and Presentations

For a speech or presentation, consider the following subtasks

identifying a topic
research
writing talking points
creating visual aids, including finding images
transitions
practice timing the speech

For a lab report, consider the following subtasks

understanding the experiment
completing the experiment
interpret and synthesize results
research for introductory, support information
write lab report
revisions and edits

Studying for a test, consider the following subtasks

Organize materials and notes
First review of notes and materials, big picture
Second review a few days later, to review more challenging concepts
Third review, a few days later, synthesize
Fourth review/self test a few days before the test
Schedule a time to meet with instructor to review concepts you don't understand
day of pep talk, relax, quick review an hour before the exam.